1. SAN DIEGO, CA
Altitude Sky Bar And Garden Lounge
Even if the Padres aren't your team, there is something cool
about looking down on a game from this bar 22
dizzying
stories above San Diego. And even when the sluggers are away, the
place puts on a show: Eight-foot screens show
American Idol, beauty pageants, or cult classics; from June
29 to July 1, it's
eye-level fireworks after the Summer
Pops concerts. The bar menu (
$$),
like the crowd, is a combination of high style
(artisan
cheese plate) and pretension-free (honey-cured wings). INFO: San
Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter, 660 K St.; 619/446-6086. -Jane
Onstott
2. TODOS SANTOS, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
Posada la Poza
It doesn't get much closer to paradise than the rooftop
terrace of this secluded inn near the artsy surfing town Todos
Santos. The Sunset Bar Terrace overlooks lush gardens, hundreds of
palms, and a bird-sanctuary lagoon. Savor a margarita and the catch
of the
day as the sun slides into the Pacific.
From
November to May, you might even glimpse gray whales cruising by.
INFO: Closed Thu; Colonia La Poza; 011-52-612/145-0400. -Jenny
Hontz
3. BOULDER, CO
West End Tavern
The local favorite straddles Boulder's dual personality
perfectly with two rooftop decks: one showcasing the town's vibrant
cityscape, the other with the makes-you-proud-to-be-an-American
vista of the Flatirons.
But thanks to a creative roster of
libations that lays claim to the state's largest
bourbon
selection, it isn't all about views. Sample a bourbon flight or
imbibe the Pimm's Cup concocted with muddled fresh mint, cucumbers,
fresh fruit, and ginger root. INFO: 926 Pearl St.; 303/444-3535.
-Lori Midson
4. MCMINNVILLE, OR
The Rooftop Bar at Hotel Oregon
Four stories up is just right for a 360° panorama of the
verdant surrounding wine country. As part of Oregon's popular
McMenamins empire, the bar offers pub fare (
$),
housemade ales, and Edgefield Winery wines. Grab a seat inside the
tiny glass-roofed bar to watch storms roll across the valley. But
when the sun shines, head out to the roof or vie for one of the
coveted tables atop the crow's nest. INFO: 310 N.E. Evans St.;
503/472-8427. -Lucy Burningham
5. SANTA BARBARA, CA
El Cielo
There's something classically Californian ― relaxed,
sunny, beautiful ― about Santa Barbara, and the El Cielo bar
atop the
Hotel Andalucía embodies
that mood perfectly. Sip wine from nearby
Sideways country against a backdrop of
the Santa Ynez
Mountains, the Channel Islands, and the red-tiled roofs of
downtown. The mission-style fireplace at the intimate poolside
lounge ups the romantic ante, which is why you should call ahead;
the bar is a popular site for weddings. INFO: 31 W. Carrillo St.;
805/884-0300. -J.H.
6. SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Medjool
Sample minty mojitos and snack on pork loin skewers (
$$)
while surrounded by skyscrapers, church spires, and the gritty
Mission District spread out below. On foggy summer days, you'll
have the city's sprawling ― and only ― "sky terrace" to
yourself; but sunny weekends are fun too, for frosty pints and
people-watching. Linger all afternoon but leave before dark, when
the sardine-packed crowd obstructs the view. INFO: Bar is cash
only; 2522 Mission St.; 415/550-9055. -Rachel Levin
7. SANTA FE, NM
Bell Tower Bar
In Santa Fe, you don't need much elevation to get a
top-
of-the-world perspective. So while the
Bell Tower
Bar at La Fonda hotel is only five floors up, it delivers great
vistas. At sunset you'll be treated to the dramatic skies and
mountain silhouettes that have inspired generations of artists.
Even notoriously tourist-wary locals can't resist
the double
lure of that view and a cold margarita. INFO: Open afternoons
through sunset mid-May through mid-Oct; 100 E. San Francisco St.;
505/982-5511. -Matthew Jaffe
The Standard, Downtown L.A.
The much-ballyhooed spot was at the forefront of the hip
rooftop-bar movement. Its innovations include vibrating waterbed
pods, a DJ spinning '80s music, and a menu of mini cheeseburgers (
$).
The cityscape from this see-and-be-seen bar is reminiscent of
Manhattan, but the scene around the rooftop pool is quintessential
Southern California. Suits from nearby skyscrapers mix with
impossibly fabulous hipsters and star-seeking tourists. Get there
before 7 p.m. to avoid long lines and the $20 cover. Entry is
guaranteed only if you are a hotel guest. INFO: 550 S. Flower St.,
213/892-8080. -J.H.
9. PHOENIX, AZ
Bar Smith
A fire-engine red staircase, lit from below, leads to the
stylish new addition to Phoenix's nightlife. The rooftop bar is
just a home run away from Chase Field and offers framed city views,
the twinkling night sky, and, most nights, movies and Diamondbacks
games projected on the wall above the bar. Overhead misters keep
temps down so patrons can comfortably sample ahi sliders (
$$)
or kick back with a cool cosmo even when
the desert heat
blazes. INFO: Closed Sun; 130 E. Washington St.; 602/229-1265.
-Nora Burba Trulsson
10. DENVER, CO
The Tavern Downtown
When the Rockies play in Denver, this rooftop revs up. Coors
Field is so close you can almost hear the crack of a bat. Yet even
without batters up, the tavern, with Rocky Mountain views and a
deck-party atmosphere, scores a homer. The island-sunset mural,
shade umbrellas, and slushy neon-colored drinks bring in the
flip-flop-and-aloha-shirt types, while the list of 20 different
martinis and upscale ballpark appetizers (
$$)
lure the nine-to-fivers. INFO: 1949 Market St.; 303/299-0100. -Ted
Alan Stedman
